Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  heaters - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By rob - January 10 - 11:28 am

  I love my crv but I wish they had a better heating system in them for the winter months.. I find the higher I set my heater the more it seems to suck the gas gauge down ( fast) maybe I am setting it wrong or something. Also I wish they would put a bigger gas tank on them .. Other than that I love my crv

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  246,000 miles and still strong - 1999 Honda Accord
  By hunter252 - January 10 - 9:55 am

  We bought this car brand new with only 52 miles. The car has given us great service with just normal maintenance. The car is very reliable, and still drives almost 100 miles a day. The motor and transmission is still all original with no problems other than a stalling problem it just started having which looks to be just a cleaning of the throttle body,and idle control valve issue. I would recommend one of these cars to anybody, and plan to buy another one when this finally gives up. I think the odometer speaks for itself.

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  Still Raving after 9 months ownership - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Happy CR-V Owners - January 9 - 9:36 pm

  Weve had this car for 9 months, now, and could not be more pleased. Highway mileage from Florida to upstate NY averaged over 30 mph. Comfort and driveability are superb for this level of vehicle. (I do agree with a few others that road noise is a little above what wed like, but whos perfect? Even with the 2-wheel drive thats standard in the south, we had no trouble driving in the snow and ice of Rochester, NY area a couple weeks ago. Overall, were VERY pleased with our purchase and would buy another CR-V in a minute.

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  oil consumption - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By 2010OdysseyOil - January 9 - 8:54 pm

  I purchased the 2010 odyssey van in august 2009 and it consumed 2.5 quarts of oil in the first 4500 miles. I took it to the dealer and they stated the consumption rate is normal and I didnt believe it for a second. We proceeded to do an oil consumption test which was performed in an unscientific manner after the oil was changed and topped off to the required 4.5 quarts (another story unto itself) and roughly 2k miles later it burned another quart. The dealer stated honda corp has a service bulletin out to tear the engine apart if it consumes one or more quarts per thousand miles. I would have never paid 35k for a vehicle which eats oil at this rate. Honda Corp needs to initiate a recall.

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  just not for me - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By billie - January 9 - 7:57 pm

  I bought this used crv to save money and downgrade from my 2007 F350 Crew Cab PSD. Since Im used to large trucks this was a huge transition. Thought it wasnt bad test driving it, but I didnt ride as a passenger and did the next day after buying and that is when I noticed how small it felt. I felt cramped and the seats became uncomfortable.

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  Methuselahmobile - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Steve B. - January 9 - 6:50 am

  I drove my Civic DX away from the dealer in March, 1999 and there are now 156K miles on the odometer. Although carefully maintained, this car has never been garaged and has spent her entire life in the frozen north (Michigan & Upstate New York). My daily commute runs between 70-80 miles. Except for a slightly leaky water pump at 70k and the odd rusty muffler/tailpipe, there have been no repair issues outside the normal service schedule. (The clutch is original.) My Civic still delivers 35- 40 mpg if driven rationally expect a little less with 4 snow tires.

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  Amazed at the longevity! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By bm - January 8 - 11:58 pm

  *bought this when my husband drove a lot for sales. *my car now for several years and I keep insisting I wont trade it. *doesnt have the cushiest seats in town, but I can go to my car every morning and know that it will start! *Weve been religious about good maintenance *but Ive only changed the battery twice *made one good-sized repair *radiator fan. *air conditioning-the only draw back. The a/c has had some problems- the "flap" that sometimes sticks so that air cant circulate into the vehicle will cost about another 300 in labor because of is location. Overall, an incredibly reliable vehicle.

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  No more Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By AVillarreal - January 8 - 9:06 pm

  Bought SUV brand new. AC went out@ 108000 - Dealer price $4500 out of warranty. Someone else fixed AC for $1500. Engine light stays on continuously, computer attached and fixed twice and engine light goes back on after about a week. Out of pocket $300. Terrible road and wind noise. CD changer went out - $900 dealer, refuse to pay. Never will I buy a Honda again.

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  Good car - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By dana - January 8 - 6:38 pm

  I have found this car to be very good for a family of 5. There is lots of room for when traveling. It fits both me and my husband I am 5 ft he is 6 ft. seats are comfortable and nice, seems to go well in the snow.

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  I want to like it... - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Lauren - January 8 - 5:20 pm

  I got this car from my Mom, and when she had it she had 0 problems with it. Now that I inherited it, I am having all sorts of problems. Car idles VERY roughly at start, bucks and shudders sometimes while accelerating particularly between 50-60 mph, sometimes hard to accelerate. This problem is intermittent so its been hard to diagnose and so far no one has been able to fix it. It makes driving the car a huge pain when its happening. Check engine light has been on for a while now. Always took care of it and brought it in for routine care. Really, really disappointed.